Nottinghamshire struggle against Durham pace bowlers

Sports Reporter

Nottinghamshire struggled against the new ball prowess of Chris Rushworth and Graham Onions as they battled their way to 73 for six by lunch on the first morning of their LV= County Championship match against Durham at Trent Bridge.

Both strike bowlers picked up two of the wickets to fall and there was no respite for the home side at the other end, as Jamie Harrison and Barry McCarthy, a 22-year old debutant, also struck to vindicate Paul Collingwood’s decision to field first.

Rushworth, the leading wicket-taker in Division One, removed Jake Libby in the first over of the day and when Brendan Taylor then drove to point, Notts were reduced to one for two for the second time in the week.

Steven Mullaney, who replaced Libby at the crease, batted throughout the remainder of the session to reach 24 not out at the interval but saw four of his colleagues nick the swinging ball through to wicketkeeper Michael Richardson.